Senate Resolution No. 2032

BY: Senator TEDISCO

CONGRATULATING Ava Guilmette of Shenendehowa High
School upon the occasion of capturing the 2026
NYSPHSAA Girls Wrestling Championship title in the
165-pound Division on February 26, 2026

WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be
achieved only through strenuous practice, team play, and team spirit,
nurtured by dedicated coaching and strategic planning; and

WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical
development of the young people of this State, preparing them for the
future by instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a
standard of healthy living, imparting a desire for success, and
developing a sense of fair play and competition; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Ava
Guilmette of Shenendehowa High School upon the occasion of capturing the
2026 NYSPHSAA Girls Wrestling Championship title in the 165-pound
Division at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York, on Thursday, February 26,
2026; and

WHEREAS, To the praise and applause of her excited fans, sophomore
Ava Guilmette captured the championship by pinning her opponent just 55
seconds into the bout for the victory and her second consecutive state
championship; and

WHEREAS, This win capped an impressive season for Ava Guilmette, who
finished the season with an outstanding 24-1 record with 13 pins; and

WHEREAS, Prior to entering high school, Ava Guilmette enjoyed a
decorated wrestling career, winning six National Championships, along
with a Tallin Open title (2023) and a Pan-American title (2024); and

WHEREAS, For her many achievements, Ava Guilmette has garnered a top
20 national ranking in her weight class, according to USA Wrestling,
FloWrestling, and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum; and

WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by this scholar-athlete is
due, in great part, to the efforts of a great team of coaches and
skilled and inspirational tutors who are respected for their ability to
develop potential into excellence; and

WHEREAS, In a sport, such as wrestling, which demands athletic
prowess, speed, and agility, Head Coach Dan Palmerino and Assistant
Coach Antonio Lomascolo worked hard to hone the skills of this champion,
teaching this outstanding athlete lessons which will prove invaluable
both on and off the mat; and

WHEREAS, In light of her recent accomplishments, Ava Guilmette was
recognized as Athlete of the Year for 2025-2026 by the Times Union
newspaper; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Ava Guilmette of Shenendehowa High School upon the occasion
of capturing the 2026 NYSPHSAA Girls Wrestling Championship title in the
165-pound Division on February 26, 2026; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ava Guilmette, Head Coach Dan Palmerino, Assistant Coach
Antonio Lomascolo, Athletic Director Lucas LaBarre, Principal Ron
Agostinoni, and Superintendent Dr. Cecily Wilson-Turner.